Chapter 25: A New Evolutionary Possibility
"Kudamon, you said that Digimon causing chaos in the human world must be reverted into DigiEggs and sent back to the Digital World… Then what about Kurata, whose crimes in the Digital World are beyond forgiveness? What should be done with him?"
Moss's piercing questions struck Kudamon's heart like arrows.
Guilt and anger surged within him once more.
Seizing the moment, Moss pressed on:
"Speed is of the essence—hesitation leads to failure. If you're going to act, act fast! Kudamon, don't make me look down on you!"
Originally, she had planned to research her Ultimate evolution before personally taking down Kurata.
But at this point, Ultimate evolution didn't matter. Whether she personally killed Kurata didn't matter.
What mattered was—Kurata had to go!
Besides, she wasn't sure if she could unlock Ultimate evolution in a short period. She couldn't put all her hopes on that. If Kudamon, as a Royal Knight, could eliminate Kurata, it would be a victory for everyone.
"You're right! There's no reasoning with a vermin like him!" Kudamon's golden eyes gleamed like sharp blades.
Captain Satsuma tried to intervene, "Kudamon, if you act recklessly—"
"I've already decided." Kudamon's tone left no room for argument.
Captain Satsuma looked into his partner's unwavering eyes and fell silent.
At that moment, a wall of resolve separated the two.
Moss added, "If you want peaceful coexistence, you must create new rules—and new rules must be built on the edge of a sword! Once you succeed, there will be people to support you, to help establish a new order."
"Huh?"
Captain Satsuma was stunned.
You claim to not understand the human world, yet this level of insight?
Kudamon's eyes lit up. "Where is Kurata?"
Kill, kill, kill!
He was ready to strike now!
If he could take down Kurata, it would be a major step toward peace between the two worlds.
Everyone turned to Sei, the only one who might know Kurata's whereabouts.
Sei shuddered and quickly said, "I don't know! I only went to his place once when he implanted Digimon into us. After that, we only met in the Digital World. I really don't know where he usually stays."
Captain Satsuma sighed in relief. "Looks like finding Kurata's location will take some time."
He intended to use this time to gather evidence against Kurata. That way, whether they captured or eliminated him, they could do so legitimately without future repercussions.
"Tch!" Kudamon was clearly displeased.
I am a Holy Beast, a Holy Knight, a Royal Knight!
I show mercy to all living things.
But now that I finally want to go on a righteous rampage… and I can't even find the guy?!
Still, nothing could be done.
Kurata, you vile insect, just wait!
"..."
As the situation settled down, Moss gave Astamon a subtle look.
The eyes are the window to the soul, but Astamon couldn't see hers through her mask.
It took him a moment to understand what she meant.
"Ahem… so, can we return to the Digital World now?" Astamon asked.
Kudamon shook his head. "As long as Kurata is alive, the Digital World isn't safe either. Once he's eliminated, I'll send you all back. For now, you should stay here."
Mushroomon, Otamamon, Gekomon, and Kunemon anxiously asked, "Will we still have to turn into DigiEggs?"
Kunemon couldn't speak, but it opened its mouth in concern.
Kudamon chuckled. "By then, you won't have to."
The Digimon let out a collective sigh of relief.
Captain Satsuma turned to BlackZakuromon (BlackZakuromon) and said, "BlackZakuromon, arrange some rooms for Angewomon, Astamon, and the others."
"Yes, sir!" BlackZakuromon responded.
Then, he looked at Shirakawa Kei and instructed, "Shirakawa, you're on duty tonight."
"Yes!" Shirakawa Kei nodded.
Captain Satsuma then turned to Moss. "If you need anything, just ask Shirakawa."
Moss nodded in response.
Thus, BlackZakuromon led Moss and the Digimon to DATS' employee dorms, Shirakawa Kei stayed behind in the command room, and the others returned home.
As for Sei, the usual process would involve removing the Digimon implanted in his body, erasing his memories of Digimon, and letting civilian authorities handle the rest.
But Captain Satsuma had other plans for him.
DATS Dorms – A Temporary Home
Since it was the modern world, the dorms were far more comfortable than those in Fairy Tail.
They weren't five-star hotels, but they were clean and furnished—with beds, air conditioning, phones, TVs, private bathrooms, and showers.
Moss turned on the TV, switching to the nightly news.
A familiar face appeared on the screen—Commander Hashiba.
The TV broadcasted his speech:
"Some people claim there are 'monsters' in Tokyo. Let me be absolutely clear—this is fake news! Please stay rational, verify your sources, and avoid going out at night."
"The news is lying!"
Angewomon's voice rang in Moss's mind, full of shock.
Moss chuckled. "That's because we're in Phase One."
"Phase One? What does that mean?" Angewomon was confused.
Moss, amused, explained:
"Phase One: 'Nothing happened at all.'
Phase Two: 'Something happened, but there's no need to take action.'
Phase Three: 'We should take action, but nothing can be done.'
Phase Four: 'Maybe we could have done something back then, but now it's too late.'"
Angewomon was still puzzled. "But… why?"
"This is called…"
Moss pondered for a moment, then said one simple word:
"Wisdom."
Angewomon sighed. "You're amazing! I could never learn something like that."
Moss smirked. "It's actually just a quote from a TV show."
"That's still amazing!"
Angewomon's endless praise gave Moss an odd sense of satisfaction—she almost felt lightheaded.
Steadying herself, Moss said, "Forget that. Let's focus on Ultimate Evolution."
If she could both use Kudamon to eliminate Kurata and unlock her own Ultimate form, it would be a double victory.
Angewomon got serious. "By releasing the Dragon Slayer Magic stored in the Holy Ring, then using Requip Magic to absorb its Dragon Attribute, there's a chance we could evolve into a Dragon-type Digimon. From there, it might be possible to evolve into a Holy Dragon Digimon."
A new evolutionary path.
Theory could only take them so far—they had to test it.
Moss lay on the bed and released the Dragon Slayer Magic from her Holy Ring.
"Ugh!"
To preserve the magic's Dragon Attribute, she didn't let it fully merge with her.
Sparks of lightning surged from her left leg, spreading throughout her body.
Angewomon urged, "Use Requip Magic—now!"
"Requip! Requip! Requip!"
Moss focused, absorbing the Dragon Attribute as much as possible.
One minute passed…
Three minutes…
Five minutes…
Moss stared at her evolution panel.
Finally, after seven minutes—
A new Digivolution option appeared!